San Jose building permits for backyard improvements (Folsom: houses, theater)

[buenos]

I want to build a 1 foot no-mortar retaining wall and a pavement area of concrete blocks from home depot. This is for my backyard, DIY improvement project. I will not hire a contractor or any workers for this.
I was told that I need a permit first. I searched the internet and found this form:
http://www.sanjoseca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1793
But the process is not clear.
Where and how do I submit it? Mail, in person?
How do I pay the permit fee?
What plans do I need create and submit in what format? - I only made paper/pencil sketches, I didnt hire an architect to draw it up for me. Do I have to?

[MediocreButArrogant]

You don't need a permit for a retaining wall up to four feet high unless it is holding back sloped earth. This information is available online.

[buenos]

Originally Posted by MediocreButArrogant

You don't need a permit for a retaining wall up to four feet high unless it is holding back sloped earth. This information is available online.

I cannot find this 4feet regulation online. At least not with a reference to San Jose. I found one for Folsom, but I dont live in Folsom.

How about placing concrete stepstones around the house as a walkway. permit for that?

i need a reference to the code applicable in san jose.

[darkeconomist]

Originally Posted by buenos

I cannot find this 4feet regulation online. At least not with a reference to San Jose. I found one for Folsom, but I dont live in Folsom.

How about placing concrete stepstones around the house as a walkway. permit for that?

i need a reference to the code applicable in san jose.

https://www.municode.com/library/ca/...4.02.120BUPEEX

title 24, Chapter 2, Paragraph 120

A building permit shall not be required for the following:
1.
One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15 m2).
2.
Fences not over seven feet (2,134 mm) high.
3.
Oil derricks.
4.
Nonfixed and movable fixtures cases, racks, counters and partitions not over five feet nine inches (1,753 mm) high.
5.
Retaining walls which are not over four feet (1,219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids.
6.
Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed five thousand gallons (18,925 liters) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed two to one.
7.
Platforms, walks and driveways not more than thirty inches (762 mm) above grade and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route.
8.
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
9.
Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
10.
Window awnings, in Group R-3 and U occupancies, supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than fifty-four inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
11.
Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R, Division 3 occupancy in which the pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade and if the capacity does not exceed five thousand gallons (18,925 liters).
12.
Replacement, repair or overlay of less than twenty-five percent of an existing roof within any twelve-month period.
13.
Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings.

[buenos]

thank you.

[Wintermomma]

I'm sorry, what? We can build an oil derrick in our yards without a permit!?

*headshake*

[jbunniii]

Originally Posted by Wintermomma

I'm sorry, what? We can build an oil derrick in our yards without a permit!?

*headshake*

Of course, zoning laws also apply, and you probably wouldn't be allowed to build one at all unless you are on some sort of rural property.